Blair Collection > Practical grammar of the antient Gaelic, or, Language of the Isle of Man, usually called Manks

xliv THE DEDICATION.
with every good, every honourable principle ! With an honest
pride, therefore, I place this work under your Lordship's protec-
tion.
The present Grammar, and a Gaelic Dictionary, which has
been for many years in the hands of his Grace the Duke of
Athollj were composed, in the year 1766, for the instruction of
that great and pious prelate, the Rev. Dr. Hildesley, Lord Bishop
of Sodor and Mann ; and were likewise intended to assist and
direct my fellow-labourers and myself in that arduous and im-
portant work, the translation of the Manks Bible. Why the
Grammar has not been sent sooner to the press, and the occasion
of its appearance at this moment, are circumstances well known
to your Lordship ; and I hope the time is not far distant when
I shall again solicit your Lordship's favour for the Dictionary of
a people who alone in the great revolutions of ages have pre-
served the government, the laws, the monuments, and the lan-
guage of the ancient Druids.
In the meantime, I have the honour to be, with the most
sincere esteem and affection.
Your Lordship's most obhged
And faithful servant,
Ardleigh, Nov. 22, 1803. JOHN KELLY.